Nevada is a fault car accident state. Drivers who cause accidents are financially liable for any injuries that their victims experience. Victims have the right to pursue car insurance claims or lawsuits against negligent drivers and secure the compensation that they deserve.
If you were driving a leased car at the time of the accident, recovering compensation can become complicated. In these situations, it is important to consult with a Las Vegas injury attorney who can help you navigate the claims process.
How to Recover Compensation After an Accident in a Leased Car
When you lease a car, you are essentially renting the vehicle for a certain period of time. You pay a monthly fee to the leasing company and return the car once your lease period ends. In these situations, you do not own the car; the leasing company does.
You will need to meet the company’s insurance requirements in order to lease the vehicle. In many cases, you will need to carry Nevada’s required liability coverage as well as collision and comprehensive coverage.
If you are in an accident while driving a leased car, your insurance policy will likely pay for some of the damage to the vehicle. For example, your collision coverage will pay to repair the car after an accident with a vehicle or object.
However, if another driver is responsible for the accident, you have the right to pursue a claim against the driver for the full value of your damages. This includes property repairs as well as medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How to Seek Repairs for a Leased Vehicle
After your accident, you will need to inform both the leasing company and your insurance provider as soon as possible. Your insurance company will instruct you to bring the vehicle to a repair shop and provide you with an estimate of the damage. You can then take the car in for repairs.
Unlike accidents involving owned vehicles, however, you could face penalties from the leasing company. When your lease ends, the company will typically inspect the vehicle. If the company is unhappy with the repairs, it could charge you for additional work.
To prevent this situation, it is important to read your contract carefully; this document will tell you exactly what to do after the accident. You should also communicate with your leasing company and ask if there is a specific repair shop that it recommends. By bringing your car to this approved location, you might be able to avoid additional charges.
What to Do If You Total a Leased Vehicle
In some cases, the leased vehicle suffers damage beyond repair and the insurance company may declare that the vehicle is totaled. In Nevada, a car is totaled if the damage that exceeds 65% of the vehicle’s current market value.
The insurance company will pay for the value of the car, but you will still need to pay any outstanding balance that you may have on your lease. In these situations, it is important to consult with an attorney about your options for compensation.
A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver and recover the settlement that you deserve. Contact an accident attorney in Henderson as soon as possible to identify your optimal path to compensation.